Kongsberg Maritime and CMI ink MoU to develop more sustainable solutions for shipowners

KM and CMI intend to collaborate more closely on the design and fitout of specific vessel types to provide shipowners with the most competitive, attractive and environmentally responsible long-term investments on the market. Both companies are united in the goal of simultaneously increasing overall energy efficiency while reducing emissions. KM is spearheading the transition towards clean marine propulsion solutions which will help the Chinese shipping industry to meet the IMO 2050 emission targets, as well as facilitating the country’s objective of achieving a carbon-neutral economy by 2060.

Both companies have identified as the following vessel types as areas of common interest: cargo vessels such as container feeders or chemical tankers; mid-sized cruise and passenger vessels; Large Natural Gas Carriers, offshore wind and aquaculture offshore installations. The two companies also identified Fuel Gas Supply Systems (FGSS) as an area of mutual interest. 

Detailed discussions within KM, CMI and China Merchants Hoi Tung to further pursue strategic partnerships have already begun with regard to a number of specialist fields. 

KM has maintained a strong presence in China for many years via its subsidiary company Kongsberg Maritime China Ltd, providing key products and services to the Chinese maritime industry and driving the development of sustainable shipping through new technologies.

CMI, meanwhile, focuses on the production of high-end, environmentally friendly and economical vessels as China’s leading marine equipment and cruise ship manufacturer. The CMI umbrella company accommodates four distinct business brands, these being Yiu Lian Dockyards, China Merchants Heavy Industry, China Merchants Jinling and the China Merchants Cruise Shipbuilding Company.

“Signing off on this MoU is a very hopeful step forward for both parties,” says Mr. Wu Sichuan, Deputy General Manager, China Merchants Industry. “Working in such close collaboration will speed processes such as partnership negotiations, bring clarity and focus to joint development projects and simplify the procedures by which integrated solutions are devised and put into practice, helping to provide shipowners with better solutions.”

“It’s a pleasure to know that we’ll be engaging together on a wide range of relevant projects,” adds Martin Wernli, SVP and Country Manager Greater China, Kongsberg Maritime. “The MoU formalises a hugely beneficial business alliance which has existed for years between CMI and ourselves; the fact that we’re taking this affiliation to the next level is a great means of ensuring our long-term commitment to the Chinese shipbuilding industry.”